by: Ian Bartlett
(Good Things Utah) – There may be times in your life or the life of your loved ones where there is a struggle to find ways to manage a difficult emotional situation or life stressor. The Utah Crisis Line, in association with the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline, is here to provide compassionate support during difficult times and refer anyone in need of #mentalhealthservices.
There is an ever-increasing need for #mentalhealthtreatment in Utah, especially for #youth. Close to one in five Utah #adults experience poor #mentalhealth and demand for #youth services is increasing rapidly. It’s more important than ever to be able to recognize the warning signs of #suicide to identify possible risk factors.
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for #suicide, especially if the #behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.
Warning signs of #suicide
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of #alcohol or #drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
Risk factors for #suicide
- #Mentaldisorders, particularly mood disorders, #schizophrenia, #anxietydisorders, and certain #personalitydisorders
- #Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- #Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses, chronic pain
- Previous #suicideattempt(s)
- Family history of #suicide
- Job or #financial loss
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of #suicide
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
How you can help prevent #suicide
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Here are 5 things that you should do if someone is showing warning signs of #suicide:
1. Open up a dialogue.
Ask specifically and directly about #mentalhealth and #suicide. Ask about feelings in an attentive and nonjudgmental way, e.g. “what’s causing you to feel so bad?” “what would help you feel better?”
Talking about #suicide does not increase the risk of #suicide or the risk that someone will act on their thoughts of #suicide.
2. Provide options for communication.
Face-to-face conversations can be uncomfortable. Texting, email, and instant messaging can be very helpful ways for #teens to feel more comfortable talking about uncomfortable things, such as #suicide.
This can also include suggesting options for alternative #adults that they might feel more comfortable talking with. This might be another relative, #coach, #teacher, or #counselor.
3. Remain calm
It’s understandably difficult to hear that your #child might be having #suicidalthoughts, but they are looking to you for help, support, and guidance in how to navigate this. Becoming visibly panicked or frightened can communicate the wrong message to #teens.
This could possibly lead them to feel that they have caused you to become upset, that they need to take it upon themselves to figure out their problems, or even that they need to help comfort you.
4. Work together
Ask how you can help. If they aren’t sure, you can make some suggestions about seeking therapy or obtaining other resources such as SafeUT. They might even just want someone present with them.
5. Alleviate #isolation
Sometimes a reaction to learning about #suicidalthoughts is to take away potential resources such as technology. In many cases, technology can be a lifeline—especially when considering outlets such as SafeUT. Connection to others, in general, is very important at this time, and #parents can play a helpful role in facilitating more connections with friends and family.
Call the Utah Crisis Line at HMHI in partnership with the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-8255 or download the SafeUT app for additional resources.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
